Studies using national team middle- and long-distance runners and swimmers were described. Two blood doping protocols were compared: a) 450 ml was removed, stored for 18-22 days, and reinfused; and b) 450 ml was removed on three occasions, erythrocytes separated and frozen, stored for 20-50 days, red cells thawed and resuspended in 1,000-1,100 ml, and reinfused.

VO2max was dramatically increased in training swimmers after reinfusion. Similar effects existed in other sports.